2015-02-28T01:58:57ZThe electrochemical and statistical evaluation of isolation of mellitin and apamin from honey bee (Apis Mellifera) venom.http://hdl.handle.net/10059/1131
Title: The electrochemical and statistical evaluation of isolation of mellitin and apamin from honey bee (Apis Mellifera) venom.
Authors: Nguyen, Hoai Viet; Heger, Zbynek; Kominkova, Marketa; Michalek, Petr; Gumulec, Jaromir; Guran, Roman; Pridal, Antonin; Fernandez, Carlos; Hynek, David; Adam, Vojtech; Kizek, Rene
Abstract: We present in this manuscript for the first time the electrochemical and statistical evaluation of FPLC isolation of mellitin and apamin from honey bee (Apis mellifera) venom. Venoms are extremely complex blends of diverse substances that target a myriad of receptors or ion channels. Therefore, toxins, isolated from venomous organisms can be a valuable tool with diverse biological applications. In this study we decided to optimize the purification of honey bee venom by using fast protein liquid chromatography, to obtain biologically active peptide - melittin (2846.46 Da). Due to a presence of other compounds with similar molecular weight (apamin 2027.34 Da), we optimized a differential pulse voltammetry method with adsorptive transfer technique (AdT DPV), utilizing Brdicka supporting electrolyte for measurements. Typical voltammograms - fingerprints for each substance were obtained and numerical projections of voltammograms were employed to propose an artificial neural network. Our suggested neural network can simply predict the content of each peptide in fraction with following performance: 100 % for training and 100 % for testing.2015-01-01T00:00:00ZOvercoming the seasonal variations in fitness of the amphipod Corophium Volutator as an environmental toxicology test species using laboratory cultured specimens.http://hdl.handle.net/10059/1118
Title: Overcoming the seasonal variations in fitness of the amphipod Corophium Volutator as an environmental toxicology test species using laboratory cultured specimens.
Authors: McGee, Donall
Abstract: The marine amphipod Corophium volutator is an important source of food for many fish and wading birds, making it an important species in an estuarine environment and a relevant toxicological test species. Historical data has indicated that seasonal variations in the fitness of C. volutator may make toxicity testing during summer months impossible. C. volutator were cultured in the laboratory to determine if variations in the fitness of wild C. volutator could be overcome with the use of cultured specimens. Adult and neonate C. volutator were cultured separately under different feeding regimes with Tetraselmis chuii and Rhodomonas reticulate as food sources. Cultures were maintained at a salinity of 30-35 ppt, with a temperature of 15 °C ± 2, dissolved oxygen was maintained at ≥80% saturation. Assessments of growth rates, time until sexual maturity, and numbers of offspring produced were made from these trials. During this study, a growth rate of 0.0648 mm ± 0.0185 mm per day was determined. The preferred feeding regime was a combination of T. chuii and R. reticulate. The average number of offspring produced per C. volutator over 132 days of culturing was 8.6. Experiments indicate that C. volutator may be cultured under laboratory conditions, however, further work is required to increase the reproductive output of cultured C. volutator.2014-10-01T00:00:00ZGPR55 deletion in mice leads to age-related ventricular dysfunction and impaired adrenoceptor-mediated inotropic responses.http://hdl.handle.net/10059/1054
Title: GPR55 deletion in mice leads to age-related ventricular dysfunction and impaired adrenoceptor-mediated inotropic responses.
Authors: Walsh, Sarah K.; Hector, Emma E.; Andreasson, Anne-Christine; Jonsson-Rylander, Ann-Cathrine; Wainwright, Cherry L.
Abstract: G protein coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) is expressed throughout the body, and although its exact physiological function is unknown, studies have suggested a role in the cardiovascular system. In particular, GPR55 has been proposed as mediating the haemodynamic effects of a number of atypical cannabinoid ligands; however this data is conflicting. Thus, given the incongruous nature of our understanding of the GPR55 receptor and the relative paucity of literature regarding its role in cardiovascular physiology, this study was carried out to examine the influence of GPR55 on cardiac function. Cardiac function was assessed via pressure volume loop analysis, and cardiac morphology/composition assessed via histological staining, in both wild-type (WT) and GPR55 knockout (GPR55−/−) mice. Pressure volume loop analysis revealed that basal cardiac function was similar in young WT and GPR55−/− mice. In contrast, mature GPR55−/− mice were characterised by both significant ventricular remodelling (reduced left ventricular wall thickness and increased collagen deposition) and systolic dysfunction when compared to age-matched WT mice. In particular, the load-dependent parameter, ejection fraction, and the load-independent indices, end-systolic pressure-volume relationship (ESPVR) and Emax, were all significantly (P<0.05) attenuated in mature GPR55−/− mice. Furthermore, GPR55−/− mice at all ages were characterised by a reduced contractile reserve. Our findings demonstrate that mice deficient in GPR55 exhibit maladaptive adrenergic signalling, as evidenced by the reduced contractile reserve. Furthermore, with age these mice are characterised by both significant adverse ventricular remodelling and systolic dysfunction. Taken together, this may suggest a role for GPR55 in the control of adrenergic signalling in the heart and potentially a role for this receptor in the pathogenesis of heart failure.2014-10-01T00:00:00ZAn exploration of ehealth and digital literacy in pharmacy practice.http://hdl.handle.net/10059/1011
Title: An exploration of ehealth and digital literacy in pharmacy practice.
Authors: MacLure, Katie
Abstract: The aim of this research programme was to explore ehealth technology in
pharmacy practice in Scotland and, by doing so, contribute original knowledge to
this area. Strategists worldwide believe technology has the potential to promote
quality, safety and efficiency in healthcare. This has been reflected in national
ehealth policies designed to support collaborative working between medical and
non-medical healthcare practitioners and, more recently, the whole health and
social care team.
A meta-narrative systematic review was conducted to explore and contextualise
research related to healthcare professionals’ views of the adoption of ehealth
technologies to support shared care. Findings indicate the importance of
organisational development and training for core and optional ehealth services
with pharmacists particularly under-represented in ehealth research.
Socio-technical systems theory and the computer supported cooperative working
framework were adopted to explore healthcare practitioners’ perceptions of
ehealth in relation to integrated care. Findings from the review indicate ehealth
research continues to focus on doctors and nurses. No ehealth application was
perceived to be an unqualified success with the socio-technical gap still evident.
Multiple case studies were conducted to develop explanatory theory around the
digital literacy experiences, education and training related needs of pharmacy
staff in the NHS Grampian area. Digital literacy levels were self-reported as basic
with mixed views on the need for formal education and training. Findings indicate
organisational and social factors may act as restraining forces against
implementation of technology in pharmacy and associated digital literacy
training.
A final theory testing, systematic review was conducted into digital literacy
training experiences of pharmacy staff applying Kirkpatrick’s four level model. It
found a lack of evidence of specific, measurable digital literacy levels but
indications that suggest digital literacy should be included in pharmacy education
at all levels and career stages. This research provides novel insight into ehealth and digital literacy in pharmacy
practice. Combined ehealth, education and pharmacy research has been
demonstrated to be an under-researched area therefore these findings contribute
original knowledge.2014-03-01T00:00:00Z